Old Settlers beer garden caused stir

The beer garden in Huntsville for Randolph County Old Settlers has created a stir.

The Community Club voted on having a beer garden at Old Settlers back in July, with the approval of the Huntsville City Council and Police Department, as well as that of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department.

The stir started when Huntsville church leaders showed concerns for the community.

Kim White, Club President, said that, “We didn’t know we were going to vote on the beer garden [in July] so we couldn’t notify anyone.”

Tempers rose in August, when the debate came to a head. Last night’s (Tuesday, Aug. 27) meeting remained calm while the floor was opened for the community to share their opinions on the matter.

The meeting was held at Nan’s Tea Room in Huntsville, which was standing-room only, crowd capacity-wise; however, it was noted that, technically speaking, the gathering last night was not an official meeting. Some board members were concerned if they held the meeting, tempers were going to flare again. Some members decided to move forward with the meeting to allow the community to voice their concerns.

Pastor John Rhodes stated that he was not just concerned because of his biblical stance on alcohol, but referenced his time working as a first responder.

While the beer garden is still going to happen, because it does have the board approval, churches offered to make sure they are doing their part in hopes of avoiding a beer garden next year.

Community Club has been needing more volunteers the last several years for the Old Settlers event, and the beer garden finally brought that to the attention of church leaders who have vowed to be more involved. First Baptist Church donated $500 to the club, and Second Baptist gave $200 to show they are committed to helping return Old Settlers to the stature of a grand event.

Vertigo, Moberly bar and club, will be hosting the beer garden. Plans are to situate the beer garden in the parking lot behind the courthouse. Vertigo has offered to provide the services and security to the garden. The Community Club is to receive 50 percent of the profits from such.

While the debate ruffled feathers, it appears the churches and Club have both reached a conclusion to “agree to disagree” on the issue this year. Community Club members were pleased to hear that local churches were offering to participate with a variety of tasks.

Randolph County Old Settlers is scheduled for Sept. 13, 14, and 15.

Huntsville residents who would like to join the Community Club are always welcome.

Their next meeting is Sept. 16, and voting for new board members happens at the October meeting.